This topic deals with the influence of the bureaucracy on policy decisions and the political process.
Bureaucracy Definition: A bureaucracy is a complex organization that administrates rules and procedures in order to achieve efficiency and effectiveness.
Public Administration: Public Administration is the study of government bureaucracy and how it functions in policy-making.
Bureaucratic Politics Model: The Bureaucratic Politics Model is a theoretical framework for understanding how large organizations make decisions.
Budgeting: Budgeting is the process of allocating resources, usually money, to different agencies, departments or programs.
Strategic Planning: Strategic planning is a process of setting goals and objectives for an organization and then creating a plan of action to achieve these goals.
Organizational Structure: Organizational structure refers to the way a company or agency is arranged, including departments, teams, and levels of management.
Leadership Styles: Leadership style refers to the way a leader interacts with their staff and the type of leadership skills they use.
Public Policy: Public policy is the method by which a government or public body implements, enforces, and regulates laws, regulations and action plans.
Decision-making: Decision-making is the process of considering all available options and selecting the best one for a particular situation.
Employee Relations: Employee relations is the part of an agency’s human resources department that works to improve employee morale, resolve conflicts, and develop policies that positively impact the workplace.
Accountability: Accountability refers to the responsibility of an organization or individual to answer for their actions or decisions.
Transparency: Transparency is the degree to which an organization is open, honest and clear with the public about its decisions, actions and operations.
Ethical Leadership: Ethical leadership is a type of management that prioritizes integrity, fairness, and responsibility in decision-making.
Performance Management: Performance management is the process of monitoring and evaluating employee performance against established goals and objectives.
Resource Allocation: Resource allocation refers to the process of assigning resources such as time, money, and personnel to various departments or programs.
Technological Innovation: Technological innovation refers to the use of technology to improve organizational performance and efficiency.
Change Management: Change management is the process of managing organizational changes, both large and small, effectively and efficiently.
Organizational Culture: Organizational culture is the shared values, beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors that define an organization and how it functions.
Public Participation: Public participation refers to the involvement of citizens and other stakeholders in the decision-making process of an agency or government.
Network Governance: Network Governance is a flexible and adaptive form of governance that encourages participation and collaboration across various stakeholders for successful management of complex tasks.
Rational Actor Model: This model assumes that all bureaucrats act rationally, with perfect information and a clear set of goals. In other words, bureaucrats are seen as logical decision-makers who weigh the pros and cons of different policies before making a decision.
Incrementalism: This theory suggests that bureaucrats are risk-averse and prefer small, incremental changes over sweeping reform. This approach assumes that change is best achieved through small adjustments that build on existing policies.
Garbage Can Model: This model assumes that decision-making in bureaucracies is chaotic and unpredictable. This approach suggests that decisions are made haphazardly, with different agendas and priorities competing for attention.
Advocacy Coalition Framework: This theory proposes that bureaucrats are part of coalitions that work together to advance their shared interests. These coalitions are made up of interest groups, politicians, and bureaucrats who share a common goal.
Policy Networks: This approach suggests that bureaucrats form networks of relationships with other actors in the policymaking process. These relationships are built on trust and shared interests, and can be formal or informal.
Principal-Agent Theory: This theory suggests that bureaucrats act as agents of the political leadership. In other words, they are accountable to elected officials who oversee their work.
Organizational Culture: This approach suggests that bureaucratic behavior is shaped by the culture of the organization. This includes the values, norms, and beliefs that affect decision-making and behavior within the bureaucracy.
New Public Management: This theory argues for a more market-oriented approach to public administration. It suggests that bureaucracies should be run more like businesses, with a focus on efficiency, effectiveness, and customer service.
Democratic Theory: This approach proposes that bureaucrats should be accountable to the public and work to advance democratic values such as transparency, participation, and accountability. In other words, bureaucratic decision-making should be open, participatory, and responsive to public concerns.